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The Raiders put some extra weight on the accelerator again. Just a month ago, Pete Carroll‘s organization signaled every NFL team with a blockbuster trade for Geno Smith on March 7, and in April? The franchise and the 34-year-old QB have agreed to terms on a surprising deal. But before we move on to learn more about that, let’s dive in to see what demand the Raiders’ $160 million star made to the new quarterback.

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NFL insider Jordan Schultz dropped an Instagram post revealing what $106 million star Maxx Crosby said after Geno Smith got an extension with the Raiders. According to the insider, Maxx Crosby made a three-word demand, saying, “Let’s go win.”

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To elaborate more on that, in the full message, Crosby said, “I’m hyped. Geno’s a baller and exactly what we needed for this team and organization. It starts with the work and commitment. The brotherhood. Now it’s our time to prove that. ‘Let’s go win.'” People already welcomed Smith last month, and they expect great things from Geno and his former head coach, Pete Carroll.

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During his five-year journey with the Seahawks, Carroll and Smith worked together for four years, from 2019 to 2023, before Carroll left the franchise in 2023. But Geno continued giving great performances with his experience, expertise, and iron-like arm. Last season, he was 4th in passing yards and 13th in touchdowns. With a staggering 70.4% completion rate in the 2024 season, Geno scored 21 touchdowns for 4,320 yards.

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Actually, that’s what made the difference. His relentlessness and stronger show of skills might have forced the Raiders to sign him to a bigger deal. The deal is surprising, as Crosby is also happy to have Geno for at least two years. Let’s check out the contract extension he received from Tom Brady‘s organization.

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Geno Smith: A new sheriff in Las Vegas

Geno Smith made headlines Thursday after signing a massive two-year, $75.5 million contract. This means he’ll earn an average annual salary of $37.5 million. The deal guarantees $66.5 million—a likely sigh of relief for Geno, allowing him to fully focus on the game.

According to Spotrac, the QB will receive a base salary of $14.8 million for 2025, a roster bonus of $16 million, and a workout bonus of $200,000 while carrying a cap hit of $31 million. But do you know why this was such a relief?

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The Raiders pulled off a trade for Smith on March 7. They sent a third-round pick to the Seahawks to get him. Even though he still had a year left on his contract, Las Vegas GM John Spytek made it clear that an extension was just a matter of time.

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Reporters suggested that Smith might have considered taking drastic steps if the Raiders hadn’t signed an extension. NFL insider Toshan Reed told the NFL world, “Although he was paid a $16 million roster bonus on March 16, none of his $14.8 million salary for 2025 is guaranteed. It’s unlikely that Smith would play without a new deal, according to league sources.” But Pete Carroll stepped in and ended the rumors, saying that they were working on it.

And they have done it. Geno Smith’s arrival should drastically improve the Raiders after they struggled with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell in the 2024 season. Let’s see how things work out with the Raiders, who ended last season on a low note of 4-13.

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Ashutosh

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Ashutosh Kadam is a US Sports Writer at EssentiallySports, specializing in NHL, horse racing, and other major American sports. With a Master’s in Journalism and Communication, he brings a news-first mindset to his coverage, working closely with insider networks to deliver timely, high-impact stories for a global audience. A firm believer that passionate sports fans should never have to wait for the latest updates, Ashutosh thrives on fast-paced live coverage and detailed event reporting. His sharp storytelling shone during recent Stanley Cup milestones, high-stakes horse racing events, and cultural moments that bridge sport and society. Before transitioning to his current beat, Ashutosh played a key role on the NFL desk, including live coverage of the NFL Draft, where he kept fans locked in with rapid updates and insider commentary. Combined with years of creative writing and content strategy experience, he now blends speed, depth, and narrative to report on the stories that matter most to sports fans.

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Monika Srivastava

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